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Kenyan Woman given a dog’s beating for speaking in Kiswahili at an American Restaurant

Kenyan Woman Given a Dog’s beating for Speaking in Kiswahili at an American Restaurant

Photo courtesy of World Bulletin

Ever thought you may land in trouble for speaking in vernacular, leave alone Swahili? Most Kenyans have enjoyed conversing in their mother tongue at the work place which is wrong.

It is no offence to communicate in a language you are comfortable with anywhere apart from work places. But one Kenyan woman in the United States, tells a different story. Perhaps US presidential hopeful Donald Trump consistent attacks on Kenyans have put them on a collision course with other Americans.

Uproar and outrage has greeted Asma Mohammed Jama assault by an American woman for speaking Swahili. According to the World Bulletin, Asma Mohammed Jama is reported to have visited a local café identified as Applebees Restaurant in Coon Rapids with her cousin and children. A woman in an adjacent booth insisted she speak in English. A defiant Jama stood her ground and ignored the assailant.

“I live in America. I can speak English but we prefer to speak our own language. If it bothers you I’m sorry,” Jama replied to the woman.

Paul Sommer of the local sheriff’s office confirmed the incident, saying;

“Staff at the restaurant tried to intervene, tried to get them to move and get out of the way, but the suspect in the case finished her assault by taking a large beer mug and striking the victim across the face.”

Jama has since been treated and got a total of 17 stitches with a “go fund me” account opened in her name by friends.

“…never had anyone even looked at me weird for not speaking English and wearing a hijab. I’ve seen hate crimes on TV, but for it to happen to me – I’m really a different person, I don’t like it,” Jama to media.

The aggressor has since been charged with third degree assault and risks to five years imprisonment or pay a fine of not more than $10,000 or both.